BigDog Speaks

Folks bleeding or having marks similar to the crucifiction have been around for years and years. Investigations into the claims usually end up non-committive or proving fraud. Does anybody get the picture here?

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The only stigmata I have ever heard about revolves around the Catholic religion which in and of itself, strikes me as odd. There are devout believers in a variety of religious frameworks yet stigmata is peculiar to Catholics? Perhaps it has something to do with all the statues found in all their churches?

Realistically, why would some folks have this and others not, are they that much more devoted than the rest of the world? I doubt that. Some are obviously frauds and have seen the potential for making lots of money selling the various trinkets from their gift shops. No brainer here, absolute fraud, in it for the money. Others have devotees who dote on them and care for their every whim, again, that is a no brainer for me, they want/need the attention they get. The majority will fall into one of these two categories and can be easily discounted. Those few that remain, I cannot explain away, nor can the church. Not being Catholic, gives me a more doubting mind in the first place. I am suspicious of the rites and rituals of that religion for the simple reason that it is different than mine. As history bears out, each religion believes it is the only right one, and the rest are all wrong. The points can be debated by all the scholars, each making points on their own behalf. It always boils down to what the individual believes and how they were brought up. For me, the spectacle of stigmata only makes me doubt it even more. I am inclined to say stigmata is a fraud that rears its head only because there are people who believe in it. The final call on religious beliefs, stigmata, and what's for breakfast, relies on the individual. Have a great day today, and a better one tomorrow!

Stigmata by Phyllis Alesia Perry